{"id":2227,"date":"2016-04-01T11:07:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T15:07:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/?page_id=2227"},"modified":"2025-08-06T19:44:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T23:44:12","slug":"giardiasis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/epidemiology\/epidemiology-fact-sheets\/giardiasis\/","title":{"rendered":"Giardiasis"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is giardiasis?<\/h2>\n

Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia duodenalis (Giardia <\/em>for short)<\/em>. It is a fairly common cause of diarrhea throughout the United States and the world.<\/p>\n

Who gets giardiasis?<\/h2>\n

Anyone can get giardiasis, but children are more likely to get sick than adults. It tends to occur more often in people in childcare centers, international travelers, and persons who drink improperly treated surface water (such as hikers drinking from a stream or people swallowing water while swimming in a river or lake).<\/p>\n

How is giardiasis spread?<\/h2>\n

The Giardia <\/em>parasite can be found in the feces (stool) of infected people and animals (such as cats, dogs, deer, cattle, and beavers), and their feces can contaminate surfaces, food, or water. People get sick by swallowing the contaminated food or water or by putting their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated surfaces (such as toys, diaper pails, etc.).<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of giardiasis?<\/h2>\n

Some people infected with Giardia <\/em>have no symptoms at all; others experience mild to severe intestinal symptoms. Diarrhea can last for several weeks or months, leading to weight loss and dehydration. Symptoms of gas, greasy stools, and stomach cramps might also occur.<\/p>\n

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?<\/h2>\n

Symptoms can appear from 3\u201325 days after exposure, but usually appear within 7\u201310 days after exposure.<\/p>\n

How is giardiasis diagnosed?<\/h2>\n

To confirm the diagnosis, a stool sample should be collected and tested at a laboratory. Several stool specimens must be obtained over several days because the number of Giardia <\/em>parasites found in the stool changes from day to day.<\/p>\n

What is the treatment for giardiasis?<\/h2>\n

It is very important for people with giardiasis to drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration, from losing too much fluid, can occur with giardiasis and is especially a risk for infants and pregnant women. Consult with your healthcare provider when the illness begins. Prescription medicines are sometimes recommended to treat this illness.<\/p>\n

How can giardiasis be prevented?<\/h2>\n